GE plans BPO, aircraft parts plant in Phl

MANILA, Philippines - Diversified technology, services and financial firm GE (General Electric) is planning to set up business process outsourcing (BPO) as well as manufacturing operations for aircraft parts in the country.

Trade Undersecretary Cristino Panlilio told reporters late last week that the firm has expressed interest to start BPO operations here.

“They called just this week. The country head (of GE) here is arranging to put up BPO operations on engineering and design,” he said.

GE’s BPO operations, he said, will be focused on research and development (R&D).

He said that after the firm starts its BPO operations on R&D in the country, it is also open to start assembly operations here.

“Up next will be the assembly of machinery that they produce like jet engines (and) turbines,” he said.

He said GE is looking at putting their assembly operations in Clark.

Details on the amount of investments to be made were not immediately available.

Panlilio said the Philippines is being eyed by GE as a location for such operations given availability of local skills.

“Our mechanics, machinists and engineers are competitive,” he said.

The firm’s local unit, GE Philippines Inc. was incorporated in 1935 to engage in a broad range of manufacturing, trading and services businesses.

At present, GE’s businesses in the country include power generation, transmission and distribution through GE Energy Infrastructure, providing commercial aircraft engines and services through GE Aviation, providing appliances and lighting through GE Industrial Solutions and GE Home and Business Solutions, as well as providing diagnostic imaging equipment for patient care through GE Healthcare.

According to GE’s website, its Philippine unit employs more than 1,100 employees.